A ‘fantastic’ turnout of more than 70 local residents attended the New Gorbals Housing Association’s information day recently.

Director Fraser Stewart gave a resume of the past 15 years of the Crown Street project. ‘I believe there is no such thing as bad publicity. All publicity has helped me get more money into the area.’

He acknowledged that planners and buildings in the past had ‘let people down’ and added, ‘My job in regenerating Gorbals is to use the best of the old Gorbals, the best of tradition and the best of modern processes.’

The Crown Street project – called after the main street in old Gorbals and now the name of the main thoroughfare in New Gorbals – produced 1000 homes on a 75% for sale and 25% affordable renting, basis. ‘All of this has been done with New Gorbals Housing Association leading the way particularly in the Queen Elizabeth Square developments. We’re particularly proud of our role in this although there are still small pockets to be completed.’All the awards for design have gone to buildings commissioned by the Association.

‘Who would have thought 15 years ago, that a hotel in the Gorbals would be built and would be 90% full?’ said Fraser Stewart, standing in the Tulip Inn to which he was referring.

He emphasised that it was very important for the local community to have ‘a seat at the table,’ on planning issues and developments.

The next project will be the ‘Crown Street of Laurieston,’ as that area of Gorbals is the next to be developed. The LOCAL NEWS aims to carry details as New Gorbals Housing Association releases them.